Pearce

In a Nutshell

Enjoy a romantic vacation of horseback rides through the rugged Dragoon Mountains and rustic cabin stays

The Fine Print

Promotional value expires 180 days after purchase. Amount paid never expires.May be repurchased every 90 days. Limit 1 per person, may buy 1 additional as gift. Valid for 2 guests. Additional guests can be added for an additional charge. Valid June through August and January - February. Subject to availability. 240lb weight limit. Children must be 6 years of age to ride.12 years of age for fast ride or pass a fast ride test.Merchant is solely responsible to purchasers for the care and quality of the advertised goods and services.

Double R Guest Ranch at Grapevine Canyon

The Deal

Guests check in on Friday between 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. before enjoying a sunset ride and dinner. On Saturday, guests eat breakfast, ride until lunch, then enjoy another ride before happy hour and dinner.

Western Horseback Riding: Of Hats and Herding

Many equestrians specialize in Western riding. Learn what that means with Groupon’s introduction.

Determining whether a rider is practicing the Western style of horsemanship requires no particular expertise. Rather, it requires a look at his or her hat. That’s because the attire of Western riders is typically inspired by the cowboys of the Old West, who developed a specialized riding style that riders continue to practice in competition today, performing for judges who assess their mastery based on a number of parameters. Taking the reins in one hand and maintaining light tension on the horse’s mouth, riders sit tall and straight and give direction to the horse by shifting their weight in the seat. Horses earn high marks by responding willingly to these subtle cues and by demonstrating a smooth, easy athleticism through the gaits of walking, jogging, and loping. Unlike English riding, for which riders “post,” or rise and sit in rhythm with each stride, the Western style and its large, comfortable saddles allow riders to sit through the entire jog.

Modern competitions in Western riding test more specialized skills as well. During barrel racing, riders compete to negotiate a series of turns around barrels in the shortest time possible. To measure roping abilities, riders attempt to lasso a steer at high speeds. All these nuanced events are designed with the same idea in mind: to replicate the tasks cowboys once needed to succeed at their herding responsibilities.